Tag: farm animals

Farm animals play a significant role in our society. In fact, they are among the most traded commodities in the world. They provide us food, clothing, medicine, and other products. Whether as a source of food or income, farm animals immensely matter.

Today’s modern technology has enabled farmers to improve animal welfare, enhance farming methods, and increase food production. Listed below are the most common types of farm animals raised by farmers from many developed and developing countries around the world.

Chickens

There are hundreds of chicken breeds across the globe, mostly raised in factory farms and fewer ones in the backyards. Chickens are normally slaughtered or placed in the market after 6 to 20 weeks, for profit. It takes approximately 21 days for a fertilized chicken egg to hatch. Among nutritionists, chicken meat is considered to be a healthier source of protein than red meat. The world’s largest poultry farms are in China, the United States, and Australia.

Cattle

Cattle are bred for two different purposes: beef cows are raised specifically for meat production while dairy cows are bred for their ability to produce fresh milk. These type of cattle have distinct physical differences, as dairy cattle are typically thinner and leaner while beef cattle are focused on building a more muscular and fatter body in order to produce high-quality of meat (beef). Although it requires huge investment in time, land and money, cattle production can be the most profitable livestock to raise for business. The United States has a massive beef market which produces nearly 20 percent of the world’s beef, followed by Brazil with 15 percent, and the European Union with almost 13 percent.

Sheep

This type of domestic animal is typically shed and kept as livestock and can live for up to 10 to 12 years. They have been used for centuries for clothing, meat, and in the field of medicine. The major products we obtain from sheep are lamb (meat from sheep under 1 year of age), mutton (meat from sheep older than 1 year of age), wool (for clothing and cosmetics), and milk (ideal for making cheese and other dairy products). In terms of sheep population, countries like China, Australia, India, Sudan, and Iran top the list, while the European Union is the world’s largest sheep meat consumer.

Ducks

Ducks produce larger eggs than the usual size of a chicken’s egg, and contain higherprotein but with less cholesterol. Duck production is dominated by China which boast of a vast number of duck breeds. The country was able to produce more than 700 thousand ducks in 2005.

Pigs

Domestic pigs are raised mainly for their meat (pork). According to Statista, net production of pork worldwide amounted to about 109.85 million tons carcass weight in 2016, with mainland China being the world’s largest producer. With this type of domestic animal, it is important to provide enough space for their shelter, fresh air with warm temperature, and proper hygiene.